Jo-An and Glynn Turman

Jo-An and Glynn Turman are community advocates and industry professionals who have left an indelible mark in the hearts of many.

Emmy® Award Winner & Veteran Actor Glynn Turman, all the way from little Travis in the original groundbreaking Broadway play “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee to his recent stellar performances on OWN’s ‘Queen Sugar’ and ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ it seems Mr. Turman always has the word “Outstanding” next to his name. Known best for his memorable roles on ‘A Different World’, ‘The Wire’, ‘Cooley High’ and ‘House of Lies’ Glynn has been a celebrated actor for six decades starring on hundreds of television shows, in films, and plays. On screen and on stage, he certainly has mastered his craft, and after already receiving four “Lifetime Achievement Awards”, three NAACP Image Awards and other multiple nominations, Glynn is in a league of his own. Something you may not know but Glynn is also a writer, an accomplished DGA Director, owns his own production company, and serves on several Board of Directors, not to mention he’s a real cowboy, humanitarian and mentor. Glynn has also been inducted into the Western Heritage Black Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. Glynn was born and raised in New York, NY.

Jo-An Turman is the Vice President of Entertainment Industry Partnerships and Real Estate Broker for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. She has dedicated her life to helping others and has spent over 27 years advocating for low-income families and individuals. Jo-An has traveled the world building homes with Habitat for Humanity. She is well respected in the Industry and works with all genres of entertainment partners including actors, athletes, musicians, directors, producers, writers, entertainment execs, corporations and studios. She has crossed the threshold with all-time highs in fundraising for these great causes, has served on several prestigious boards including the American Camp Association. Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Jo-An has roots in the island of Jamaica. She has a BA in Afro-American Studies and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education and Communications. She has been a Real Estate Broker for 30 years and holds a teaching credential.

Individually they have accomplished so much, but together they are most proud of being the co-founders of their own non-profit 501c (3) foundation, ‘The IX Winds Ranch Foundation’ which was founded in 1992 as a promise to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King to help bring peace to the inner-city after the LA Riots. The foundation provides opportunities to disenfranchised inner-city and at-risk youth including attending a free western style summer camp “Camp GID D Up” on the Turman’s own 20 acre ranch, as well as employment and scholarship opportunities. Thousands of youth have been able to experience camp, attend black rodeos, attend Rodeo College and be mentored through the IX Winds Ranch Foundation.

The Turman’s are mentors, humanitarians, philanthropist and role models. The couple attributes their many blessings to their faith and their love of God. They are proud members of West Angeles Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.